Naptime and Meatballs

My son is still recovering from whatever nasty bug caught hold of him and it has left him tired and feverish. I am a bit superstitiously reluctant to admit there are some benefits to having a sick 4-year-old: He'll snuggle up next to me to read books all afternoon. I have an excuse (checking his temperature) to press my lips against his hot forehead 400 times a day. We can order up one Christmas movie after another. And the naps are, temporarily, back.

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So I was able to sneak into the kitchen one afternoon and roll some albondigas, pork-and-mint meatballs that I would simmer in broth with carrots and green beans to make soup. I had finally ordered the dish at a Mexican restaurant where we have become Sunday regulars and it was so good I doubt I'll ever order anything else from them. My soup couldn't compare, but it was warm and light on a cold, snowy evening.

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To make the albondigas, I mixed 2 tablespoons uncooked white rice, 3 tablespoons bread crumbs, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons grated onion, 2 cloves garlic put through the garlic press, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cumin and a couple tablespoons minced fresh mint. Once that was combined, I mixed in a pound of ground pork with my hands, then formed 1-in. meatballs. I diced the rest of my onion and cooked it in a little oil until soft, then I added 6 cups chicken stock, brought that to a simmer and added the meatballs. Simmered for 20 minutes, then added cut-up carrots and green beans. Simmered another 30 minutes, then served with more chopped mint, lime wedges and warmed tortillas.

Here's WD's recipe for albondigas. Their version has zucchini and crushed tortilla chips, and are browned in a skillet, then braised in enchilada sauce.

OK, the peanut blossoms may be a family favorite, but these caramel shortbread squares live on in my memory as the best holiday cookie ever. And I have a nostalgic place in my heart for these candy cane cookies (there's a tale involving a hospital stay over the holidays and some kind family friends). Either would be a welcome gift for anyone who is not trying to lose weight.

Have you ever tried to reproduce a restaurant favorite? How successful were you? — Kim Walker